The Need for Open Skies in Indonesia

Leading Bali Tourism Educator Calls for Declaration of 'Open Skies' as a Response to EU Blacklisting of Indonesian Aviation.

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(8/11/2007)

The director of the Bali Hotel School, Drs. I Nyoman Gede Astina, has called on the government to declare open skies in order to overcome the current reluctance of European travelers to visit Indonesia and Bali.

Quoted in the Indonesian language BisnisBali, Astina said that the Indonesian government and national airlines must practice introspection and revisit the safety standards that are worrying to the European community. He also suggested that Indonesia invite member countries of the European Union to come to Indonesia and see the condition of Indonesian aviation first-hand.

The Need for Open Skies

Astina said the current embargo on Indonesian aviation must prompt the government to declare "open skies", allowing foreign airlines wider access to Bali. "This policy must be introduced as soon as possible in order to accelerate the recovery of tourism numbers to Bali," said Astina.